A weekly publication of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Boozhoo,

We welcome our readers back to the Miisaniinawind! We are excited to reconnect with our community members and friends after a brief absence. Our weekly newsletter has a new look, which we hope you like! There are some changes to the format that we think you'll like.

The Miisaniinawind will continue to bring you important news, announcements and updates designed specifically for the Red Cliff community. But that's not all. The weekly eNewsletter will also provide news about neighboring tribes, communities and issues that matter to you.

If you have photos, news or information you'd like to share, please email submissions to communications@redcliff-nsn.gov.

RED CLIFF, WI - The U.S. Mint and the America the Beautiful Quarters Program unveiled their "Apostle Islands" Quarter in a ceremony at Legendary Waters Resort Casino in Red Cliff yesterday, April 11, 2018. Officials from the U.S. Mint, National Park Service and other dignitaries joined Red Cliff Chairman Richard "Rick" Peterson in presenting the new coin. Over 500 people attended the standing-room only event at Legendary Waters Buffalo Bay Grand Ballroom.

Red Cliff tribal member and attorney Henry Buffalo presented the history of the Apostle Islands, outlining the work put forth by Bad River and Red Cliff in preserving the islands for generations to come.

"There was a major concern by the tribe's about this tribal land (Apostle Islands) that the Park Service (NPS) wanted to take (in creating the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore). It was resolved when the law was enacted by the park agreeing they would not take those lands - that those would remain in trust for the Red Cliff Band and the Bad River Band - and they (lands) would not be touched," said Buffalo.

Apostle Islands National Lake Shore Superintendent Bob Krumenaker thanked everyone in attendance for sharing in the day's historic event. He also drew attention to the body of work the National Park Service and its staff performs in keeping the islands healthy and safe for all to enjoy.

"I want to point out to the Park staff, this is your event," said Krumenacker. "This is about you and the Park and the tremendous relationship we have with these communities. The great quality of work we are known for - that's on your shoulders - and I want to personally thank you and ask everyone else to recognize the incredible Park staff," continued Krumenacker.

Krumenacker also pointed to the tribes' long history with the Islands.

"I want to acknowledge that these lands which are currently called the National Lakeshore have not always been in that role, and they were stewarded for hundreds if not thousands of years by the original peoples, the Anishinabe People," said Krumenacker. "It was a national park; it was their homeland; it is still the homeland of the Ojibwe People; and we are appreciative of the fact you have welcomed us here," added Krumenacker.

Mark Landry, Acting Associate Director, Numismatic and Bullion, United States Mint, talked about the history of the Mint's "American the Beautiful" Quarters Program.

"Eight years ago, the United States began issuing quarters featuring designs depicting national forests, parks and other national sites," said Landry. "Each year we issue five new sites. At each American the Beautiful coin event, we celebrate our nation's wisdom and foresight in conserving the beautiful and historical national sites for all Americans," continued Landry. "Millions of Americans will see the new quarter and as a result, many will want to travel to Wisconsin to kayak on Lake Superior and observe the sandstone sea caves on Devil's Island."

The new coin depicts a lone kayaker traversing along the shores of Lake Superior, dwarfed by the Devil's Island cliffs and lighthouse, with the words "Apostle Islands" inscribed along the top border.

Two hundred students from five area schools were also on hand to witness the historic day.

As part of the quarter launch, every person in attendance 18 years of age and younger received a free quarter. Quarters were available for purchase as well.

Red Cliff Vice Chairman Nathan Gordon said the quarter launch was a historic moment for Red Cliff and the Apostle Islands.

"It's a big deal for the U.S. Mint to come here and host this event," said Gordon. "This is historic in that the coin represents not just the Apostle Islands but the Red Cliff Tribe as well - we are the caretakers of the islands. People everywhere will see our homelands and be curious to visit," added Gordon.

Red Cliff Tribal Chairman Rick Peterson said he was happy the tribe could host such an event.

"We have governmental agencies and tribes coming together for this common cause to both celebrate and promote our ancestral homelands," said Peterson. "This coin is representative of our people and our homelands, and that kayak could just as easily be a canoe," added Peterson.

Also on hand to help celebrate the event were the Washburn High School Jazz Band, Wigwam Express Youth Drum Group, Bayfield High School Choir and Red Cliff VFW Post 8239.

Presiding over the event as Master of Ceremonies was former Bayfield Mayor Larry MacDonald.

On Wednesday, April 11, the Red Cliff Tribe hosted the first ever Tribal Consultation with First Net and their contractor AT&T. The Tribal Consultation is a requirement for Federal Agencies that work with Tribal Nations. The First Responder’s Network Authority was authorized by Congress to create a nation-wide cellular network for first responders, governments and other public safety entities.

"This project will bring increased communications for First Responders, which in turn will increase response time in emergency situations," said Tribal Chairman Richard "Rick" Peterson. "Red Cliff will be the hub of not only the Ojibwe Nation but also of the communications highway in the northern tier of the state of Wisconsin," continued Peterson.

Recently, the bid to create this network was won by AT&T and all 50 states have opted-into the plan that AT&T put together for this national network. As a result, AT&T must increase cellular coverage on Tribal Lands. During the Red Cliff consultation, Tribal Leadership learned of AT&T’s coverage plans for the Tribe, Hardware and Software for Public Safety, and the placement of towers on Red Cliff Tribal Lands. AT&T and First Net are committed to providing not only service to the Public Safety entities, but also commercial service to the membership.

Red Cliff is one of only three tribes that have been identified for construction in the first phase of the network roll out.

"Our Tribe will be on the leading edge of technology in the northern third of the state," said Vice Chairman Nathan Gordon. "This will increase the opportunities for businesses, open up new pathways for those looking to start a business and strengthen our economy," added Gordon.

The Tribal Administration and Departments will be working closely with First Net and AT&T to complete this project in order to bring modern, up-to-date, cellular coverage to the Red Cliff Reservation.

Red Cliff welcomes new employees

Boozhoo,

My name is Ian Harding and I am the new fisheries biologist working with Red Cliff’s Treaty Natural Resources Division. I have a M.S. from the University of Minnesota and I have previously worked for state, federal, and tribal agencies in the fisheries field.

I grew up in the Great Lakes basin and cannot overstate how special the Great Lakes are to me. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and I am looking forward to learning more about Red Cliff and the fisheries resources in the 1842 Treaty ceded waters!

Miigwech!

Wildlife Technician

Shea Schachameyer grew up across from Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, where she developed a love of the water and outdoors. With an interest in furthering her knowledge of environmental science, Shea attended Northland College from 2015 - 2017 and in that time earned a B.S. in Natural Resources-Ecological Restoration. During this time Shea also worked as a Research Technician with the school's Burke Center for Freshwater Science where she assisted with stream monitoring programs and most recently a climate change vulnerability study in Apostle Islands coastal wetlands. Before moving to the Chequamegon Bay area, Shea worked as a Research Technician on environmental education and outreach expeditions around the world as well as on the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Science R/V Neeskay.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notice - Head Start Parents

Council Meeting Agenda

Burger Night and More!

Sovereignty, Trust & Resilience June 11- 14, 2018

The Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE), a national non-profit dedicated to the advancement of American Indian government employees across all levels of government, is holding its 15th annual training program in Green Bay in June and we hope you will join us.

SAIGE's training program provides opportunities for knowledge sharing and updates from experts throughout Indian Country, professional development, and relationship-building for Native government employees (federal, tribal, and state governments).

In addition, SAIGE offers a Native youth leadership program. The youth program is free of charge to selected youth. For requirements and applications to the youth program, please visit www.saige.org. Applications are due soon, so please encourage youth to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Chequamegon Bay Arts Council is pleased to announce the availability of college scholarships. The purpose of these scholarships is to acknowledge the past accomplishment and future promise of high school graduates who will enter a field of study leading to a career in the arts.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Be a high school senior graduating in spring 2018.

Reside and attend high school in Ashland or Bayfield County.

Plan to enroll in a higher education course of study leading to a career in visual, literary, or performing arts.

Annual Inspections - Unit Inspections are required to be conducted at least once a year to ensure the unit is being properly used and maintained. It documents the condition of the home and provides a basis for counseling on a number of things - home use, maintenance, socioeconomic support, transfer/potential for home ownership, etc. The Housing Authority has housekeeping standards for each type of room inside the unit and also for yards/grounds outside the unit.

Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority will be conducting a minimum of 2 in-home unit inspections per unit, in the 2018 operating year.

Occupancy & Residency

Re-certifications – Re-certifications are utilized for purposes of determining monthly rent payments; and are a required element of participation in the Housing program. RCCHA requires Annual and Interim re-certifications.

Interim recerts are required when there are any changes in the tenant’s household composition (number of people living in the unit) or any changes in household income.

Notice: The seasonal moratorium on physical eviction from a unit due to non-compliance lifts as of April 1, 2018.

Planning & Development

If you’re interested in owning your own home,

Please complete the Home Ownership Interest Survey and turn in it.

Plan to attend our 2018 Spring Home Fair. You’ll get great information, meet people who can help you realize your dream of owning your own home and have a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Get pre-qualified for a home loan! We’re beginning the match-making with buyers, locations and lender for our scattered site housing development project. We (Housing) has acquired some lease sites to utilize and if you have your own lease site and would like to build a home, we can connect you with a potential lender! (Please also complete the home ownership interest survey)

Operations & Administration

RCCHA provides volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) as a community service. There are still a few openings to get assistance in preparing and filing your income taxes. Contact Tanya Wachsmuth.

Housing Authority Offices are now located on Water Tower Road (Tenant Services at 37250 and Administration at 37240). Maintenance is still in their same location.

National Tribal Child Support Association (NTCSA) Scholarships For Tribal Children

NTCSA Scholarship Award was created by the NTCSA Board of Directors for the purpose of awarding financial assistance to children who have benefited from the efforts of our partner tribal child support agencies.

The NTCSA Scholarship Award is a competitive scholarship which shall be presented annually upon application to students who meet the criteria as set forth by the NTCSA Board of Directors. Upon award, the scholarship may be used for educational purposes during the first year of college or attendance at a vocational training facility.

The theme for the 2018 Scholarship Essay is "The Impact of My Tribe's History on Me."

The deadline for submissions is May 4, 2018.

For questions about our Scholarship Award program, contact Marsha Harlan at indiancountryconsultants@yahoo.com or contact the Red Cliff Child Support Services Agency at 715-779-3769.

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is seeking a cultural consultant that has assisted with children and families who have experienced trauma. The consultant would have knowledge and skills on how to assist children and families from a traditional perspective.

Terms:

· Communicate at least one time per month with the Program Director about the progress of services and deliverables.

· Submit monthly reports and invoices on schedule, to be determined; to the Program Director for review and submission for payment for contractual services rendered.

· A minimum of bi-weekly in-person visits with the Red Cliff Indian Child Welfare staff at the Indian Child Welfare Office. Contractor should utilize web based applications to provide training sessions with program staff in addition to the in-person trainings as negotiated with the Program Director.

· Notify the Program Director if a service cannot be performed or delivery of a product may be delayed or is not possible.

· Work with the Program Director to reassess, correct and/or modify any inconsistences in services or deliverables.

· Make available all work products or a description of services in writing for future program use.

· Adhere to all components of the contractual agreement.

· Term of Contract:

Start Date: May 1, 2018

End Date: May 1, 2019

Requirements for Proposal Preparation

In addition to a detailed proposal, prospective contractors are required to submit the following:

A letter of personal recommendation which contains examples of knowledge of the prospective contractor’s experience with Ojibwa cultural.

Membership in any cultural societies, and firsthand accounts of the contractor’s involvement.

1 cultural references to include:

Name

Phone Number

Mailing Address

Email Address

One sample of work

One sample of any professional written reports, guides, educational materials, agendas etc.

Submission:

Please submit all proposals and supporting material to:

Indian Child Welfare:

Attn: Gretchen Morris

88385 Pike Rd Hwy 13

Bayfield, WI 54814

Email: Gretchen.morris@redcliff-nsn.gov

Phone: 715-779-3747

Fax: 715-779-3783

Proposal Deadline:

April 26, 2018 at 4:00pm

The target population served will be the child first, non-offending parent, and the caregivers and extended family.

____________________________________________________________

Request for Bid

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s Indian Child Welfare Department is requesting a quotation/bid on the item(s)/service(s) detailed below. The Red Cliff Tribal Council has the right to reject any and all bids.

Description:

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is seeking a wiindisooyan to provide children and families with the spirit names.

Terms:

Selected bidder must agree to:

· Communicate with the Program Director about the dates of service and deliverables.

· Submit a report and invoice on schedule, to be determined: To the Program Director for review and submission for payment for contractual services rendered.

· Notify the Program Director if a service cannot be performed or delivery of the services may be delayed.

· Work with the Program Director to reassess, correct and/or modify any inconsistences in services or deliverables.

· Adhere to all components of the contractual agreement

Requirements for Proposal Preparation

In addition to a detailed proposal, prospective contractors are required to submit the following:

• A letter of personal recommendation which contains examples of knowledge of the prospective contractor’s experience with Ojibwa cultural.

• Membership in any cultural societies, and firsthand accounts of the contractor’s involvement.

• 1 cultural references to include:

o Name

o Phone Number

o Mailing Address

o Email Address

o One sample of any professional written reports, guides, educational materials, agendas etc.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the Federal Health Program for First Nations people. IHS offers three scholarships in the hopes of helping produce qualified and well-trained individuals for Indian health programs. One scholarship is the Preparatory Scholarship which helps individuals who are enrolled in preparatory courses or prerequisite courses leading to enrollment in an eligible health professions degree program. Eligible programs for the Preparatory Scholarship include Pre-Clinical Psychology, Pre-Nursing, and Pre-Social Work. The second scholarship is the Pre-Graduate Scholarship for individuals who are enrolled in courses leading to a bachelor's degree in the health field such as pre-medicine or pre-dentistry. The third scholarship is the Health Professions Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students in the health field. Students who apply for this scholarship also agree to fulfill a service commitment in full-time clinical practice upon completion of their academic program.

Financial aid from IHS goes directly to the school and covers tuition and required fees for the academic year. But what makes the IHS scholarships unique is that scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend of $1,500 or more to help with living expenses. Also IHS can provide an additional payment in the first stipend that will help cover the costs of books, lab expenses, equipment, tutorial services, travel, and post office box rental.

The selection process for scholarships is multifaceted and uses a point system. Up to 40 points are awarded based on academic performance.Up to 30 points are given based on employer evaluations. Up to 30 points is given for essays written by the applicant. The application is available online at https://www.ihs.gov/scholarship/applynow/ and is due March 28th 2018.

﻿If you would like help with your application you can contact the Red Cliff Education Department at (715) 779-3759 or at education@redcliff-nsn.gov and set up an appointment. Normal office hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

The Wisconsin Indian Education Association invites you to attend the 2018 "Revitalizing Tribal Nations Through Community Engagement", April 19-21, 2018, in beautiful Keshena, WI. This year's conference includes a special pre-conference workshop titled, "Trauma Informed Care". You can view the tentative schedule of workshops and presentations by clicking here for the conference schedule.

This pre-conference workshop is free however, you must register separately from the conference. The conference will bring the best minds in Indian Education together for three days of workshops, presentations, as well as a Youth Day track, Conference Pow-wow and Annual Awards Banquet.

The Conference Planning Committee has extended both the Early Bird Registration rates and Awards Nomination Deadlines until Tuesday, March 27th!

Make sure you mark your calendar for this important event and take advantage of the Early Bird Rates by registering before next Tuesday!

The awards winners have been notified and will be honored with a banquet during the WIEA conference in Keshena, WI on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Each year, WIEA recognizes individuals who have made a positive impact on the lives and communities of Native Americans living in Wisconsin. In doing so, WIEA relies on people who are on the front lines in the day-to-day work within American Indian communities, schools, and families to help identify individuals who are making a difference in the lives of Native American students of all ages.

For their lifelong commitment and devotion to Indian Education, we have also chosen to recognize some very important individuals in the community, to include: